Hardy was born near Dorchester in Dorset. His father was a stonemason. He was educated at local schools and trained as an architect. He went to London to further his career. He wrote his first novel when he was thirty one and went on to have huge success. His stories are about ordinary folk and are deeply involving and entertaining and have been the subject of many films. In later years he gave up novel writing for poetry which he considered his major achievment. The film by Malcolm Hossick covers the significant events of his interesting life is followed by a brief overview of his work. AM014HD20 HARDY 2020 35'47